The 30th Annual Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk and Fitness Program

Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk event will be held in downtown Atlanta

What is it?

Calling all runners, walkers and joggers! If you’re looking for a great way to stay in shape, build camaraderie with your fellow co-workers and be a part of the largest organized corporate fitness event in the Southeast, then you won’t want to miss a second of the excitement planned for the 2012 Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program. Directed by U.S. Olympian Jeff Galloway since 1983, this workplace-organized fitness program has become an annual tradition in the Atlanta business community. The start date for this year was July 23 when the 8-week “Get Active Atlanta!” training phase kicked off. The current phase will last through Thursday, Sept. 13, when this year’s 5K Corporate Run/Walk & Company Picnic steps off at 7 p.m. in Downtown Atlanta.

What’s included?

The free 8-week training program for registered participants includes:

Walking and running training schedules from Jeff Galloway for beginner and veteran walkers and runners. New this year are Fatburning options with a Get Faster option for experienced runners.

What’s happening Sept. 13?

The program culminates in a giant celebration of fitness on Thursday, Sept. 13, across from Turner Field, with a 5K (3.1-mile) run/walk that winds through the business district of Downtown Atlanta. After the Finish Line, there are commemorative T-shirts for all participants, team and candid photos with unlimited free downloads, music by Rupert’s Orchestra, awards ceremony and a Fitness Expo, plus company teams (employees, family, friends) gather in tents for hundreds of office picnics, popularly known as the “World’s Largest Office Party.” Individuals have the option of purchasing a boxed dinner from Jason’s Deli at registration.

Run/Walk details:

There will be separate start areas for elite runners, CEOs, runners/joggers and walkers. Elite runners must submit official documentation for qualifying times:

Open Men – 6 minutes/mile

Open Women – 7 minutes/mile

Masters (40 and over) Men – 6:15 minutes/mile

Masters Women – 7:15 minutes/mile

Awards are handed out to top Overall and Masters Men and Women, best team times, most overall participation and best T-shirts. CEO Cups will go to the fastest male and female CEOs. The Kaiser Permanente® Cup is presented to Atlanta’s “most fit” companies in four categories, based on the number of full-time employees. Participation awards also are given to companies in each of 38 industry categories.

A portion of the proceeds benefits the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. (Corporate Can drives benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank.) New this year: Sneaker Drive to benefit Back on My Feet.